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The process of finding a roofer to fix your leaky roof or damaged tiles isn’t always the most exhilarating of tasks, and it can be challenging to find the right roofing contractor who is competent and affordable. Below we’ve provided some handy tips to help in your search.

Assess the damage

If it’s safe to do so, or if you know someone handy you can rely on, it’s always beneficial to assess the level of damage before contacting a roofer to provide an estimate. Although rare, some dishonest traders will overestimate the cost leaving the customer out of pocket.

Gauge the roofing contractors experience level

One of the most systematic ways to measure the experience and capability of a roofer is to ask a multitude of questions. Ask if they have encountered similar issues to one you’re experiencing with your roof, and even enquiring of past projects will provide an excellent guide to their ability and knowledge.

Establish their credentials

When you have a roofing contractor in mind, it’s wise to check they can do what they claim they can. There are a plethora of online directories of vetted tradespeople, including Checkatrade and TrustATrader, which allow customers to leave honest reviews. Alongside these, a reputable roofer is usually a member of a recognised association such as The Guild of Master Craftsmen.

Free written quotation

A general rule of thumb is to try and obtain three written quotes and not necessarily opt for the most economical option. A written quote should itemise the work to be carried out and how the cost has been calculated. If further work is needed after the initial price is agreed upon, it should be submitted as a written quote.
Contact Stanleys Roofing and Building Luton for a complete roofing service from a local, family-run business.

Flat roofing systems have come a long way in a short time, and now UK roofs can be covered with more than just felt. Below we’ll explore some of the main alternatives and how they can benefit your home or business.

Built-up roofing

Known in the US as ‘tar and gravel’ flat roofing structures, built-up roofing is ubiquitous across the UK and has been in use for decades. It works by laying multiple layers of tar and grit before sealing the roof with a waterproof coating. Built-up roofs have longevity, durability and periodic maintenance, but they aren’t the cheapest option for flat roofing.

Modified bitumen

Modified bitumen is very similar to built-up roofing in that it requires sheets of bitumen to be layered but then heated by a blow torch or some other heating process. It is more straightforward to install, cheaper and easy to repair but ultimately doesn’t last as long as a built-up roof.

Rubber roofing

EPDM (Ethylene propylene diene monomer) represents a good value for money choice for any flat roofing structure. Constructed from artificial recycled rubber, EPDM can last up to fifty years, has superb insulating properties and resistance to UV rays and isn’t in any way toxic. As the most environmentally friendly option, the benefits offset the slightly more significant expense.

Fibreglass

A fibreglass roof has many favourable properties shared by other methods, but its appealing aesthetic sets it apart. They are also sturdy and have a high impact resistance which means their lifespan matches any other type of material.
Contact Stanleys Roofing and Building for any roofing requirements, including routine maintenance for reliable and skilled service.

If you are building an extension to your house or a garage, then one of the crucial decisions to factor in is whether to opt for a flat or pitched roof. Opinions will vary from one roofer to another, but from our many years of experience in the roofing industry, we have compiled a list of advantages and disadvantages of each roofing style.

Flat roofing advantages

Compact design – If you are planning an extension to your house, then flat roofs feature a compact design that is easier to design and fit. They can provide an ideal solution for small kitchen extensions or new garages and can be swiftly constructed.

Small slope – Flat roofs are still constructed with a slight slope to prevent the pooling of rainwater on the surface.

Economical – Due to fewer materials used and shorter construction time, flat roofing tends to be a much cheaper alternative to having a pitched roof.

Flat roofing disadvantage

A flat roof doesn’t have the long lifespan that a pitched roof does but technological advancements in the materials used in flat roofing has meant the average lifespan has increased. A well constructed flat roof should last at least 40 years if properly maintained.

Pitched roof advantages

Sloped – The large degree of slope on a pitched roof allows rainwater to run away into the drainage system smoothly. Which is just as well if you live in rainy Dunstable or Luton.

Durability – Becuase of the hardwearing nature of the materials, pitched roofs tend to have a longer lifespan than a flat roof and requires less ongoing maintenance for a roofer to undertake.

Aesthetics – Again it is down to personal taste, but a pitched roof is generally considered to be a more attractive feature than a flat roof

Disadvantages of a pitched roof

Cost – A pitched roof is considerably more expensive to construct because of the increased labour costs and a higher amount of building materials used. However, the durability and lifespan of a pitched roof do counterbalance the price.

If you live in the Dunstable and Luton area and require any roof type, give Stanleys Roofing and Building a call today for more information.

Are you considering removing turf to put in a path or are you sick and tired of repairing your existing driveway? If it’s yes to either, then this article will detail the assessment process Stanleys Roofing and Building in Luton and Dunstable will provide for all prospective clients.

What is the intended use of the driveway?

If you intend your driveway to just store cars and other vehicles, then a simple yet classic tarmac surface will be sufficiently strong to withstand the weight. Due to its colour, oil stains from cars will be less visible, and the maintenance required for a tarmac driveway is minimal.

If you desire your driveway to incorporate a pathway to your garage or front door, then block paving or gravel might be a more suitable material choice.

In keeping with the property

If your property has a distinctive look that might be disturbed by a tarmac driveway, then block paving might be a better solution. The many available designs and colours for block paving allow them to be designed in a unique way to suit any property. You may also consider block paving for beautiful patios for gardens or forecourts.

What is the potential size of the driveway?

The area that requires covering will have a significant bearing on the overall cost of the job. If you are working to a tight budget, and you have a large area to cover, then gravel will probably be the most cost-effective solution. Smaller spaces and patios may benefit from the personal touch that block paving offers.

If you live in Luton or Dunstable and have any further questions relating to driveways and patios, then contact us through our website or call our friendly sales team.

First impressions are important, so a well designed and laid drive will ensure that your visitors’ perception of you and your household will be a positive one.

If you live in or around Luton, contact us at Stanleys and we will be able to advise you on the best driveway for your particular situation.

We can offer a varied range of materials with which to construct your drive including brick, asphalt gravel and tarmac, and our wealth of experience will enable us to guide you towards that which is best for you.

Our highly experienced team will lay your driveway to exacting standards, so that first impression won’t just be good but excellent!

We don’t really think about our roofing do we?

But any failure in it’s construction and weatherproofing can have a catastrophic effect on your property, whether it be commercial or your home.

The damage that can be inflicted by damp can threaten the whole fabric of your property.

We are highly experienced at dealing with roofing problems so give us a call and we will arrange to inspect your roof, and where necessary repair or replace it.

A beautiful patio will enhance any garden and will give you years of pleasure.

Come and see us if you live in the Luton area and we will, using your ideas, design the perfect patio for your home.

We have a wide range of attractive stone to choose from, which we use in our block paving, which will weather attractively over time.

We ensure that your patio is laid with the greatest of care, paying particular attention to the preparation of the site, thereby guaranteeing that your patio will remain in excellent condition for many years to come.

Paving a driveway can be a difficult, expensive task so if you are planning to upgrade your driveway please consider the points below, they could save you money and /or hassle. A new driveway can completely change the appearance of your house and can also increase the property value.

Budget
The first thing to do is set a budget. You must have an idea that how much you can afford. This budget will dictate the appearance of your driveway as better designs and materials are available to those who spend more.

Material
After deciding the budget, check the materials you want to use. There are many options available such as brick, concrete, gravel and asphalt to choose from. A good company will recommend what is best for your property.

Design
This is probably the most exciting part! Choose something that complements both your property and the surrounding area. Consider how many cars you will need to accommodate and how easy access will be for those vehicles.

Driveway Installers
Hire an experienced installer and ask him to show you the proposed driveway design. Ask to see their previous work for both choice and peace of mind.

Conclusion
The whole driveway process needs patience and time as it is very time consuming but if done properly it will be worth the wait and last for years too.

There are a dozen ways to improve the appearance of your homes exterior and your driveway is the most effective. When selling your home first impressions are paramount so in order to make a difference to your home you should consider the true impact of a new driveway. Here are some design tips which can give your home some curb appeal and add that WOW factor.

Think about designing rather than just installing
Most people just give an afterthought to a drive and simply install one. However, they should consider it as golden space, which can bring visitors to your home by its appearance. It doesn’t need to be simple black asphalt, because there are several modern driveway materials which can provide durable and attractive beauty to your driveways. Your driveway expert can best explain these designs and benefits.

Think about functionality, and consider vehicle dynamics
Before you start, you should consider all perspectives for which you or someone will be using your driveway eg how many people / cars will be using your driveway? Where will they / you be parking cars? To accommodate the sweeping motion of the vehicle, you should consider the design with curves and turns in your driveway. It needs to be all things to all potential users.

Driveway width and guest parking
Proper width and guest parking ensures that you have enough space for guests to park cars without any destruction to the rest of your property, and thus help you to keep your landscape in perfect shape.

Allow us to make your driveway beautiful in Luton and the surrounding areas so please contact us to change the look of your house.

During the last few years in the roofing business, we have noticed that owners of commercial and industrial buildings may be taking risks by not checking potential issues on their property that can harm their roof. Roof moisture is one of the most common problems, that is why you need to be aware of the following issues:

Reason & Damage it can do?

Although a moisture problem in the roof assembly can be due to waterproofing deficiencies, that doesn’t mean that we should neglect the effect of condensation. Roof condensation occurs when moisture becomes trapped between the roof and the ceiling insulation. The moisture in the roof can in extremem cases cause health problems but will also give your proeprty an unpleasant odour and discolour / damage your interior decor.

Types of roof moisture & solutions to the problem

(a). Small Amounts of Moisture by Occupants

A small amount of moisture is common in warehouses, offices and businesses. Warm air drifts upwards and traps the moisture between the insulation and membrane of the roof. To prevent this use staggered joints and at least two layers of insulation. If you have only a single layer, then you can prevent roof moisture by using cover boards.

(b). Large amount of moisture by occupants

Large commercial buildings with say a swimming pool, should be aware of low-slope roof moisture. To prevent the condensation one can make sure that ventilation and air handling systems are designed properly.

(c). Moisture by construction

This can become a problem before a building is occupied. Painting, concrete curing and drywall have been known to release trapped moisture, so you should choose construction professionals who are familiar with these issues.

The best way to deal with moisture problems is to seek the help of an experienced professional. So if you are in Luton why not give our team a call we will help you inspect, advise, repair or replace your roofing, give us a call on 01582 932051.